Remembered fondly by former allies

Mr Sharon is viewed as a strong leader in Israel, but his enemies - especially the Palestinians - consider him a ruthless war criminal.

Mr Netanyahu said Saturday the Israeli people will "forever" cherish the former prime minister's memory.

"The State of Israel bows its head over the passing of former prime minister Ariel Sharon," he said in a statement.

"His memory will forever be held in the heart of the nation."

With Mr Sharon's death, president Shimon Peres is the last of the Jewish state's founders still active in public life.

"Arik was a valorous soldier and a bold statesman who contributed much to the security and building up of the State of Israel," he said, using Mr Sharon's nickname.

"Arik loved his people, and his people loved him.

"He knew no fear. He took difficult decisions and implemented them courageously."

US president Barack Obama paid tribute to Mr Sharon's "commitment".

He knew no fear. He took difficult decisions and implemented them courageously.

Israeli president Shimon Peres

"We reaffirm our unshakable commitment to Israel's security and our appreciation for the enduring friendship between our two countries," he said.

"As Israel says goodbye to prime minister Sharon, we join with the Israeli people in honouring his commitment to his country."

British prime minister David Cameron called Mr Sharon "one of the most significant figures in Israeli history", saying he "took brave and controversial decisions in pursuit of peace".

UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon hailed Mr Sharon as a "hero" to Israelis, who would leave behind a "legacy of pragmatism" in the Middle East.

"Prime minister Sharon will be remembered for his political courage and determination to carry through with the painful and historic decision to withdraw Israeli settlers and troops from the Gaza Strip," Mr Ban said.

Palestinians celebrate death of 'tyrant'

There was no immediate comment on the death from Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas, with whom Mr Sharon's Likud party successor, prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has been holding US-sponsored peace talks.

But in Gaza, the Hamas Islamists whose political fortunes rose with the Israeli withdrawal savoured Mr Sharon's demise.